Strong third period lifts Rockford over Missouri
January 27, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
St. Charles, Mis.- The Rockford IceHogs closed out a seven game road swing Wednesday night with a 5-2 win over the Missouri River Otters at the Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri. The IceHogs used three third period goals and goalie Michel Robinson's 36 saves to help them to victory. Rockford finished their seven-game road swing with a 5-2-0 record.
The only goal in the first period came just past the mid-way point when a trio of All-Stars hooked up to give Rockford the 1-0 lead. At 10:08 of the first period center J.C. Ruid won a face-off that defenseman Nathan Lutz fired over the shoulder off Missouri goalie Jason Tapp. Olivier Proulx also figured in on the assist.
In the second period, the River Otters didn't waste any time tying the game. Just 1:59 into the middle period Mat Snesrud knocked in a goal to tie the contest 1-1. The IceHogs regained the lead at 13:36 of the period when center Alex Kim won a face-off back to Jason Ralph who shot home his 12 goal of the year. But Missouri responded at 15:34 when Justin Quenneville tipped in a rebound past Robinson to tie the game once again.
While on a power play mid-way through the third period, IceHogs defenseman Rod Aldoff, blasted in a marker at 10:48 giving Rockford a lead that they wouldn't relinquish. The Hogs later added a pair of insurance goals late in the final frame while Tapp was pulled. Ralph hit the first empty net at 18:53 before winger Eric Labelle shot home the games final tally at 19:42.
With the win, the IceHogs tied their franchise mark with their 14 road win of the season. The 29 win on the season also eclipsed last season's win total of 28. The Hogs finished the contest 1-for-7 on the power play. Rookie defenseman Steve Pelletier and forwards J.F. Dufour and Olivier Proulx added two assists each in the winning effort.
Next Home Game: Friday, January 28 vs. Flint Generals. Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m. The Generals make their first visit of the season. Friday is the IceHogs Fourth Annual NASCAR Night and fans can check out the #24 Jeff Gordon Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
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International Hockey League 2 Stories from January 27, 2005
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- River Otters Announce Super Bowl Ticket Deal - Missouri River Otters
- Roush Racing Star Carl Edwards to Appear Sunday - Motor City Mechanics
- Strong third period lifts Rockford over Missouri - Rockford IceHogs
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